LIKER Line 9 is a ball on a strap for large dogs from the Ukrainian company COLLAR. The ball is 9 cm across and the strap 35 cm long. According to the manufacturer, it's ideal for rewarding and boosting play drive: it helps get a dog excited, adds intensity to training and is great for tug. The non-slip strap handle doesn't cut your hand and keeps it a safe distance from your dog's teeth. The ball is light, floats, gives under the teeth and doesn't hurt teeth or gums. The colour is orange.
A ball on a strap in training
Many dogs work harder for a toy than for food. A ball on a strap is a convenient reward: you hold it, show it at the right moment and let your dog grab it for a completed command. A short tug after the right action reinforces the skill and boosts motivation. Such toys are used in obedience, dog sports and with dogs that aren't food-driven. On rewards, see training treats for dogs.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | ball on a strap |
| Ball diameter | 9 cm |
| Strap length | 35 cm |
| Material | LIKER — soft, springy, non-toxic |
| Buoyancy | floats |
| For | large breeds |
| Colour | orange |
| Brand | LIKER (COLLAR), Ukraine |
Pros
- For motivation. Gets dogs excited in training.
- Safe for hands. The strap keeps hands away from teeth.
- Soft material. Kind to teeth and gums.
- Floats. Great for water games.
- Lightweight. Flies far and won't break a window.
- A bright colour. Easy to spot in grass and snow.
Cons
- Can be bitten through. Not an unsupervised chew toy.
- Not for small dogs. 9 cm is a large-breed size.
- Doesn't glow. For playing in the dark, try the Lumi models.
- The strap wears over time. With hard tugging.
How to play
For fetch, throw the ball by the strap — its shape can make it change direction slightly, adding excitement. For tug, hold the strap and let your dog grab the ball; pull gently without jerking and let your dog "win" now and then. To keep the ball a prized reward, put it away after play — the manufacturer also recommends hiding LIKER to maintain interest.
Water games
LIKER floats almost entirely above the water. It's great for dogs that love swimming and helps nervous dogs learn to swim. After playing in lakes or rivers, rinse the ball in clean water and dry it. On staying safe in heat and water, see dogs in hot weather: how to prevent overheating.
Choosing the size
A ball should be big enough that your dog can't swallow it, yet easy to grip. A 9 cm ball suits Labradors, shepherds, retrievers, Malinois and other large dogs. LIKER makes smaller models for medium and small dogs, and glowing-cord balls for playing in the dark such as the LIKER Lumi 7 and LIKER Lumi 5.
Safety
LIKER material is soft and can be bitten through — kind to teeth, but it means a strong dog can chew bits off over time. Play under supervision and inspect the toy regularly. Replace the ball if pieces are chewed off or the strap tears. If your dog chews everything, see puppy chews everything: how to stop it.
Care
The ball washes easily: rinse it in warm soapy water after outdoor play and let it dry. Wipe the strap with a damp cloth. Don't leave the toy in the sun for long.
Who it suits
Owners of large dogs that love fetch and tug, and anyone doing training or dog sports who uses toys as rewards. More toys are in the dog toys section.
Verdict
The LIKER Line 9 is a light, soft 9 cm ball on a 35 cm strap for large dogs: great for fetch, tug and as a motivational reward in training, it floats and is kind to teeth. The downsides are that the material can be bitten through, so play should be supervised, and the ball is too big for small dogs.
FAQ
What's the ball diameter?
9 cm.
How long is the strap?
35 cm.
Which dogs is it for?
Large breeds.
Does it float?
Yes, it stays on the surface of the water.
Can it be used in training?
Yes, it's a handy motivational reward.
Is it safe for teeth?
Yes, the material is soft and doesn't hurt teeth or gums.
Does it glow in the dark?
No, the Lumi models with a glowing cord do that.
